Baker Act Receiving Facility

Suncoast Behavioral Health Center is a designated Baker Act receiving facility under the Florida Mental Health Law. A person can be taken to a Baker Act Receiving Facility for an involuntary examination if there is reason to believe that he or she is mentally ill and because of his or her mental illness has refused an exam or is unable to determine whether an exam is necessary. Persons can be “Baker Acted” if they are a serious danger to self or others, or if they are likely to suffer from neglect or harm if current behavior.

RULES
Patients who are able to give express and informed consent can be admitted as voluntary patients. These are individuals who make a knowing and willful decision for treatment without any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress or other form of constraint or coercion.

A person can be taken to a receiving facility for an involuntary examination if there is reason to believe that he or she is mentally ill and because of his or her mental illness has refused an exam or is unable to determine whether an exam is necessary. Persons can be “Baker Acted” if they are a serious danger to self or others, or if they are likely to suffer from neglect or harm if current behavior continues.

For more information, Please call 941-251-5000

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For a confidential assessment or to refer a patient, call 941-251-5000. We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to calls.

Physicians are on the medical staff of Suncoast Behavioral Health Center, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Suncoast Behavioral Health Center. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.
Model representations of real patients are shown. Actual patients cannot be divulged due to HIPAA regulations.